Alexandria Gazette

'Lives there a man with soul so dead,
Who to himself has never said;
This is my own, my native land!'

Has it come to this? That the 4th day of July, a day sacred to American liberty, should be set apart for the purpose of reviving, as it were, on that day the unsettled and forever disturbed passions of men. In other days, it was not so. It was not the wont of American citizens (a talismanic name) to separate, and become detached and antagonistical in the celebration of that day: but citizens of all ages and sexes, men of all parties, creeds and conditions, would meet on the anniversary of American Independence, and with one accord, shout forth the long and loud huzza for God and Liberty. Military parades I have no objection to. They are consistent with and partake of the spirit that pervaded the breast of every American, who lived in the ever memorable day, upon which was proclaimed liberty to these United States, and gave birth to a Nation of Freemen. But political and partizan meetings selfish in themselves, I do most solemnly protest against, and they should be ever deprecated by all sensible, reasonable and patriotic men. O! spirit of Washington, and shade of Montgomery, I here invoke your ever blessed presence. Appear on this day, and cause party prejudices and strife to be neutralized if not dissipated. Let us show to the world, that the descendants of Patriot Fathers know how to appreciate the noble and dear bought inheritance, bequeathed to them, and let us to proclaim that the soil moistened with their best blood should be held ever sacred to holy patriotism, and as freemen tenaciously adhere to the only and sole principle (on this day at least) which shall cause one and all to exclaim with noble bearing—Our Country,—our whole Country—and nothing but our Country!
U.